Our dog is paralyzed from waist back, no feeling, no movement, no bowel or bladder control. We picked her up from the neurologist last night. It has been a rough 24 hours. We got her an orthopedic bed, diapers, and have ordered her a wheelchair. Anyone have any success stories? We will be doing physical therapy with her, including driving her to hydrotherapy 2 hours away, once per week. Can she recover? Will she recover? I am overwhelemed with clean up duty, diaper duty, picking her up, exercises, etc. and it has only been 24 hours. I need encouragement, tips, real-life success stories. Anyone care for a paralyzed dog? Any therapy tips? How best to deal with the incontinence? She is 55 pound, 7 year old Chow/Golden Mix. She is a bit grumpy but still same ole Keegan, fully alert, fully using front legs, barks, licks, whines, etc.
I knew of a paralyzed dachshund that lived for over 10 years with a wheelchair and diapers. The owners had to express her bladder on a daily basis & keep her clean "back there". I can imagine that it would be quite challenging with her size lifting her up! I would really recommend that you see if there are alternative therapies that may help like hydrotherapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, I have seen these work wonders with pets in similar situations! When you ask if she will get better I would definately see what the neurologist has to say about that because they have done all of the testing on her.
Best of luck! You seem very commited to seeing this work out & I hope it does!
7 Responses
2009 Jan 04
I'm not familiar with FCE, but I do know that time can heal and some paralysis isn't permanent, as there can be some improvement in sensation or control. I admire your commitment to your dog and wish more owners were like you. Good luck with Keegan.
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2009 Jan 04
Best of luck, paralyzed dogs are very tough! I do know one success story, not my own dog but a Lab I know. She had a FCE about a year ago and is now recovered to the point of being able to walk – though stiffly – on her own.
Only time will tell with your dog I guess, your vet may be able to give you a better idea of her individual prognosis.
Try to get one of those padded fleece slings to get her to her feet (if you don't have one already) you can also let her lay on top of it so you can get her up easily.
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2009 Jan 04
Woah. I had to look this up.
You are one heck of an owner… prayers to you and your dog.
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http://fcesupport.org/default.htm
2009 Jan 04
I haven't heard of FCE, but google it and get more information. I have heard of people rubbing children's legs with limited movement control everyday and the parts she can't feel just give her a good massage everyday go through normal body movements like scratching and etc and maybe she can get some sensation back over time. . It takes a good family to raise an animal like this. You guys are great.
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2009 Jan 04
I knew of a paralyzed dachshund that lived for over 10 years with a wheelchair and diapers. The owners had to express her bladder on a daily basis & keep her clean "back there". I can imagine that it would be quite challenging with her size lifting her up! I would really recommend that you see if there are alternative therapies that may help like hydrotherapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, I have seen these work wonders with pets in similar situations! When you ask if she will get better I would definately see what the neurologist has to say about that because they have done all of the testing on her.
Best of luck! You seem very commited to seeing this work out & I hope it does!
References :
vet tech
http://www.veterinarypartner.com
2009 Jan 04
im sorry i dont have so much of an answer for you, i just wanted to say how moved i was by your story, i think its wonderful you didnt just get your dog put down, you are a wonderful person and i hope your dog stays precious to you and gets better
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dog lover
2009 Mar 17
You may want to try a product known of as CP7 developed by Dr. Khouri and MD, not a DVM. His web URL is http://www.dogparalysis.com
Our dog Gizmoe, a 6 year old male Shih Tzu suffered an FCE on Super Bowl Sunday Feb 1, 2009. By Monday AM he was completely paralized in both rear legs. You can imagine our worry at that point. We took him to the Vet where he was admitted to the vet hosp and got the Meylogram. We tried accupuncture, to no avail. He was on prednizone and some other meds I cannot pronounce. I sent a FAX to Dr. Khouri and rec’d our first bottle of CP7 via FEDEX a few days later. Gizmoe is now running around the house and yard chasing and being chased by his best friend, our other dog a 5 year old female Maltese named Mochie. I cannot swear to it, but I credit much of his recovery to the FREE CP7, and the nearly $5K in vet bills. Gizmoe still favors his right rear leg somewhat, but continues to improve. Try the CP7! You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain!